Retro Delight: The Easiest 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge You’ll Ever Make!

Get ready to step back in time with a recipe so simple, so delicious, and so utterly addictive, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it your whole life! This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a retro classic for a reason: it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum peanut butter flavor in every single bite. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, gifting to friends and family, or bringing to a potluck, this fudge is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a Winner

• Simplicity at its Finest: Two ingredients. That’s it! No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, just pure, unadulterated peanut butter goodness.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this fudge can be ready in under an hour, including chilling time. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
• Customizable: While the basic recipe is fantastic, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or even a swirl of marshmallow fluff for a personalized touch.
• Budget-Friendly: Peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly dessert option.
• Nostalgic Charm: This recipe evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times and homemade treats. It’s a classic for a reason!

The Star Ingredients: Peanut Butter & Sweetened Condensed Milk

The magic of this fudge lies in the combination of just two key ingredients:

• Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite! Creamy peanut butter will result in a smoother, more decadent fudge. Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture. Natural peanut butter can also be used, but be aware that the fudge may be slightly softer due to the oil content. For best results, use a peanut butter that doesn’t separate significantly. If using natural peanut butter that does separate, stir it very well until completely combined before using it in the recipe.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the glue that holds everything together! Sweetened condensed milk provides the sweetness and creamy texture that makes this fudge so irresistible. Make sure you’re using *sweetened* condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as they are not interchangeable.

The Ultimate 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s the recipe for the easiest and most delicious peanut butter fudge you’ll ever make.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice!)

Equipment:

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Medium saucepan
• Spatula

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set. Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter.
3. Cook Over Low Heat: Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be patient and stir continuously to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Achieve the Right Consistency: Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is a key step for achieving the right fudge-like consistency. You should be able to drag your spatula through the mixture and see the bottom of the pan momentarily. The mixture will look glossy and slightly thicker than when you started. This usually takes an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour into Pan: Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using the spatula. Make sure to get the mixture into all the corners of the pan for a uniform fudge slab.
6. Chill to Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely. The longer it chills, the firmer it will become.
7. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, you can warm the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
8. Enjoy! Store the peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge turns out perfectly every time:

• Low and Slow is Key: Cooking the mixture over low heat is essential to prevent burning and ensure the peanut butter melts smoothly. Rushing the process can result in a grainy or scorched fudge.
• Stir Constantly: Continuous stirring prevents the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even heating. This is especially important during the thickening stage.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the mixture can result in a dry and crumbly fudge. The fudge is ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the fudge to chill completely before cutting it into squares. This will ensure it holds its shape and has the right texture.
• Warming the Knife: Warming the knife under hot water before cutting helps to create clean, smooth edges. Be sure to dry the knife thoroughly before each cut to prevent moisture from affecting the fudge.
• Storage is Important: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its firm texture.

Variations: Level Up Your Peanut Butter Fudge

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun and delicious ways to customize your 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge:

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate) after the mixture has thickened and pulled away from the sides of the pan.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge: Add a swirl of melted chocolate or marshmallow fluff to the top of the fudge before chilling. Use a toothpick or knife to create a swirling pattern.
• Nutty Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans) after the mixture has thickened.
• Sprinkled Peanut Butter Fudge: Sprinkle the top of the fudge with your favorite sprinkles before chilling.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge: Chop up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and stir them into the mixture before pouring it into the pan. You can also press some chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the top of the fudge before chilling.
• Maple Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1-2 teaspoons of maple extract to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Sea Salt Peanut Butter Fudge: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the fudge before chilling to enhance the peanut butter flavor. The salt cuts through the sweetness and creates a delicious contrast.
• Espresso Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the mixture for a caffeine kick and a rich, coffee flavor.
• White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top of the fudge after it has been chilled and then sprinkle with chopped peanuts or sea salt.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even with such a simple recipe, you might encounter a few minor issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• Fudge is Too Soft: This is usually caused by using natural peanut butter with a high oil content or not chilling the fudge long enough. Next time, try using a more processed peanut butter or chilling the fudge for a longer period. You can also try adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture to help absorb some of the excess moisture.
• Fudge is Too Hard: This is usually caused by overcooking the mixture. Be sure to cook the mixture over low heat and only until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. If your fudge is too hard, you can try microwaving it for a few seconds to soften it slightly.
• Fudge is Grainy: This can be caused by using a peanut butter that separates or by overheating the mixture. Make sure to stir your peanut butter well before using it and cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly.
• Fudge is Sticky: This is often due to humidity. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to help prevent it from becoming sticky. You can also try dusting the fudge with powdered sugar before serving.

Why This Fudge is Perfect for Gifting

This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is not only delicious but also makes a fantastic homemade gift! Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor make it an ideal present for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Here are some tips for gifting your fudge:

• Presentation Matters: Cut the fudge into neat squares and arrange them in a decorative tin or box. Line the tin with parchment paper or tissue paper for a more elegant touch.
• Add a Ribbon and Tag: Tie a ribbon around the tin and attach a handwritten tag with a personal message. This adds a special touch to your gift.
• Include the Recipe: Share the recipe with the recipient so they can make their own batch of delicious peanut butter fudge.
• Consider Dietary Restrictions: If you’re gifting to someone with dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients to ensure the fudge is suitable for them. You can also adapt the recipe to be vegan or gluten-free if necessary.
• Gift Baskets: Include the fudge in a larger gift basket with other homemade treats, such as cookies, brownies, or candies.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Simplicity

This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just two simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a sweet treat that will impress everyone who tries it. So, embrace the simplicity, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a retro delight that will bring you back to your childhood. Happy fudging!

Enjoy this easy, delicious and customizable recipe! Share your creations and variations with us in the comments below!

More Dessert Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed this 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge recipe, here are a few other easy and delicious dessert recipes you might like to try:

• Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic for a reason! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips.
• No-Bake Energy Bites: A healthy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for on-the-go.
• One-Bowl Brownies: Fudgy, decadent brownies that require minimal cleanup.
• Homemade Ice Cream: Surprisingly easy to make and customizable with your favorite flavors.
• Fruit Crisp: A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for using seasonal fruit.

Nutrition Information

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 2 inches x 2 inches)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 5-10 mg
• Sodium: 50-100 mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Sugar: 20-22 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams

This fudge is high in sugar and fat, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge:

• Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that the fudge may be slightly softer due to the oil content. Be sure to stir the peanut butter very well until completely combined before using it in the recipe.
• Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? No, you cannot substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter and has a thicker consistency, which is essential for the recipe.
• How long will the fudge last? The fudge will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze the fudge? Yes, you can freeze the fudge for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
• My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong? The fudge may be too soft if you used natural peanut butter with a high oil content or if you didn’t chill it long enough. Try using a more processed peanut butter or chilling it for a longer period next time.
• My fudge is too hard. What did I do wrong? The fudge may be too hard if you overcooked the mixture. Be sure to cook the mixture over low heat and only until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.